Islands of antiquity

Rita Cook writes about her Malta visit for the Vancouver Courier:

Tell three people you're visiting Malta and at least two of them will say, "Where or what is that?" The other one, familiar with the island's 7,000-year history, will be jealous. For history buffs, it doesn't get any better. For sun worshippers, there is always sun. For day-trippers, the island is close to Italy. Because of its strategic location, Malta has been occupied by Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, French, British, Castillians, and the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. From the stone temples dating back thousands of years, to the church where the Apostle Paul was shipwrecked, eventually spending time on the island, to the rich history of the Knights of St. John, Malta reflects a rich blend of cultures..

Gozo offers a different flavour and experience than her sister Maltese island. In part, this is due to the lush green hills and spectacular coastline. You don't want to miss the Azure Window in Dwejra, Fungus Rock and the world's oldest free-standing stone construction in Xaghra-the temples of Ggantija, built around 3500 B.C. For shopping visit the capital of Victoria. Greek legend insists that it was Gozo where the nymph Calypso lured Odysseus, keeping him there for seven years as her prisoner of love. You can see the cave where she was said to have lured him, and sun yourself below on the red sands of Ramla Bay.

No trip to Malta would be complete without a glimpse into the history of the Knights of St. John. Known to the world as the Knights of Malta, their story begins in the 11th century. Both romantic and dangerous, the knights fought the Turkish invaders, improved trade and commerce on the island and brought hope to the sick and the poor. Napoleon ended the rule of the Knights of Malta after 268 years, but nevertheless their rich history will lure the romantic at heart into the victories and defeats during their rule of this land.